Combining balloon jeans with ankle boots and other trendy shoes is a look that’s been dominating runways, social feeds, and street style outfits around the world. It seems the voluminous pants—resurfaced from the ’80s and ’90s—is back with a particular vengeance this winter, proving that cyclical fashion never fails when its reinvented with style.
For many people, balloon jeans represent freshness, comfort, and a bold silhouette—all ideal traits for the coldest season of the year. In December, holiday celebrations, important dinners, and formal events call for outfits that combine elegance with personality, while January and February offer a blank slate to change up our style and try a new approach. But with this particular style of pants, the key is to find the right shoes. They should achieve visual harmony and elevate the look without losing the relaxed essence of denim.
For the unfamiliar, balloon jeans—also known as barrel-leg jeans—are characterized by their fit: wide at the hips and thighs, with pronounced tapering toward the ankles. This creates the balloon effect, which adds volume and generates a relaxed (but highly fashion-forward) style. The trendy denim is great for those who like to experiment with fashion, as the style can easily be combined with all sorts of shoes in every texture, material, and height.
How to style balloon jeans with shoes in winter 2025-2026
These are the best shoes to combine with balloon jeans for a memorable outfit this winter season.
1. Leather ankle boots for versatile elegance
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